Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Collaboratives (IGECs) offer graduate students unique opportunities to tackle complex societal challenges alongside peers and faculty from across campus, while earning an interdisciplinary certificate. Made possible by a generous grant from The Duke Endowment and supported by the Office of the Provost and The Graduate School, the first three selected IGECs will launch in Fall 2026.
Duke faculty were invited to submit proposals for IGECs in November 2024. The call generated strong interest, with submissions representing faculty from six schools, including all divisions of Arts & Sciences, and three university-wide interdisciplinary units. Proposals were reviewed by the Duke Interdisciplinary Strategy Council, a university-wide body composed of faculty from all schools, along with other faculty and administrators. Final selections were made following an interview process.
Through seminars, working groups and projects, students will receive applied training and gain exposure to emerging issues at the intersection of disciplines — preparing them to emerge as leaders and experts in a wide array of careers. Graduates will earn a Ph.D., master’s or professional degree in their discipline program along with an interdisciplinary certificate specific to their IGEC. In addition to enriching graduate education, the IGECs are designed to foster new faculty collaborations across fields and catalyze innovative research.